Automatic release flush lever

ABSTRACT

Some embodiments include a toilet flush lever assembly that automatically releases a flush lever arm to stop a flush prior to a user releasing the flush handle. Some embodiments include a handle, a rotatable linkage coupled to the handle, and a flush lever in contact with the rotatable linkage, where rotation of the handle starts the flush. Further, some embodiments include a release mechanism for releasing the flush lever from the rotatable linkage when the handle has been rotated to a pre-determined point of rotation, thereby shutting off the flush.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. provisional application Ser.No. 62/458,873, filed on Feb. 14, 2017, the entire contents of which areincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Toilets are typically flushed by a user pushing down on a handle mountedonto the side of the tank. When the handle is pushed down, the motionlifts a lever arm in the tank which in turn lifts a flapper valve tostart the flush. Releasing the flush handle then causes the lever arm todrop and the flapper valve to re-seat, thereby stopping the flush.

Unfortunately, a common problem with these existing systems is thatexcess water is wasted whenever a user holds the flush handle down fortoo long a period of time. This is due to the fact that refill waterentering the tank after the flush will simply be flushed down into thetoilet bowl until the flapper is lowered to seal the flush valve (by theuser releasing the handle).

What is instead desired is a system for automatically shutting off theflush by re-seating the flapper in the flapper valve even if the usercontinues to hold down on the flush handle. A solution to this problemcould be provided by providing a tank lever that is automaticallyreleased and allowed to fall after a period of time when the handle hasbeen rotated to a pre-determined point.

SUMMARY

The following simplified summary is provided in order to provide a basicunderstanding of some aspects of the claimed subject matter. Thissummary is not an extensive overview, and is not intended to identifykey/critical elements or to delineate the scope of the claimed subjectmatter. Its purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form asa prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

Some embodiments of the invention comprise a toilet flush lever assemblythat automatically releases a flush lever arm to at least partially stopa flush prior to a user releasing the flush handle. In some embodiments,the toilet flush lever assembly can comprise a handle, and/or arotatable linkage coupled to the handle, and/or a flush lever in contactwith the rotatable linkage. In some embodiments, the rotation, turning,pivoting, or otherwise moving of the handle can cause turning, pivoting,or otherwise moving of the rotatable linkage which in turn can move orlift the flush lever, thereby causing at least a partial flush. Further,some embodiments include a release mechanism on the rotatable linkagefor releasing the flush lever from the rotatable linkage when the handlehas been rotated or moved to a pre-determined point of rotation ormovement such that the flush lever drops to shut off the flush. Inoperation, in some embodiments, the release mechanism can automaticallyrelease the flush lever prior to a user releasing the handle. In someembodiments, the toilet flush lever assembly can minimize water loss byensuring that the flush lever drops quickly enough such that refillwater entering the tank after the flush is not simply flushed down intothe toilet bowl if the operator is still holding the hand down.

In a first embodiment of the invention, the toilet flush lever assemblycan include a release mechanism that comprises at least one curvedradially extending projection on the rotatable linkage. In someembodiments, this projection can lift the flush lever when rotated to afirst position, but permits the flush lever to fall when rotated to asecond position. In some embodiments, the first embodiment include arotatable linkage that can comprise a ratchet interface between a firstelongated member that rotates together with the handle in oppositedirections, and a second elongated member that only rotates in onedirection. In some embodiments, the projection is disposed on the secondelongated member, and the first and second elongated members are coupledtogether by a ratchet interface.

In a second embodiment, the release mechanism comprises at least oneprojection on the rotatable linkage which releases a ratchet interfacebetween the rotatable linkage and the flush lever. In this secondembodiment, one side of the ratchet interface can be integrally formedinto the flush lever in some embodiments.

In a third embodiment, the release mechanism comprises a first platehaving a first locking lever thereon, and a second plate having a secondlocking lever thereon. In some embodiments, the first and second platesrotate together until the first locking lever disengages the secondlocking lever, thereby permitting the lever arm to fall.

In further detail, some embodiments include a lever assembly, comprisinga handle, an actuation mechanism coupled with a first user activationmechanism, and a second activation mechanism configured and arranged tobe at least partially actuated by a first user activation mechanismcoupled to the actuation mechanism, where rotation of the first useractivation mechanism causes at least partial movement of the actuationmechanism. Some embodiments include a release mechanism configured tooperate in conjunction with the actuation mechanism to release thesecond activation mechanism when the handle is positioned to apre-determined point.

In some embodiments, the release mechanism is configured and arranged torelease a flush lever prior to a user releasing the handle. In someembodiments, the actuation mechanism comprises a first lost motionfunction and a second reset mechanism is configured and arranged toreset upon release of the first user activation mechanism. In someembodiments, the release mechanism comprises at least one projection ona rotatable, turnable, pivotable or movable linkage which moves acoupled flush lever to a first position and permits the flush lever tomove to a second position.

In some embodiments, the at least one projection extends radiallyoutward from the rotatable linkage. In some further embodiments, atleast one projection has a curved outer surface that engages the flushlever. In some embodiments, the rotatable linkage comprises a ratchetinterface between a first elongated member that is configured andarranged to at least partially rotate, turn, pivot, or move togetherwith the handle in opposite directions, and a second elongated memberthat only rotates in one direction, and wherein the at least oneprojection is disposed on the first elongated member.

In some embodiments, the first and second elongated members are coupledtogether by a ratchet interface. the release mechanism comprises atleast one projection on the rotatable linkage which releases a ratchetinterface between the rotatable linkage and the flush lever.

In some embodiments, one side of the ratchet interface is coupled to theflush lever. In some embodiments, the release mechanism comprises afirst plate having a first locking lever thereon, and a second platehaving a second locking lever thereon, and wherein the first and secondplates move together until the first locking lever disengages the secondlocking lever, thereby permitting the flush lever arm to move. Someother embodiments include a housing, wherein the assembly passes throughthe housing and the housing is disposed within the toilet tank.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certainillustrative aspects are described herein in connection with thefollowing description and the annexed drawings. These aspects areindicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which theprinciples of the claimed subject matter may be employed and the claimedsubject matter is intended to include all such aspects and theirequivalents. Other advantages and novel features may become apparentfrom the following detailed description when considered in conjunctionwith the drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is an exploded assembly perspective view of a first embodimentof an automatic release toilet flush lever assembly in accordance withsome embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 1B is a partially exploded view of the embodiment of FIG. 1Ashowing a clutch and flush lever assembly and handle mount sub-assemblyin accordance with some embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 2A is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of FIG. 1A, showingthe rotatable linkage and the flush lever arm assembly with flush leverarm in a first position prior to flushing in accordance with someembodiments of the invention.

FIG. 2B is a view corresponding to FIG. 2A, but with the rotatablelinkage and the flush lever arm assembly with flush lever arm moved to asecond position during a flush in accordance with some embodiments ofthe invention.

FIG. 2C is a view corresponding to FIGS. 2A and 2B, but with therotatable linkage and the flush lever arm assembly with flush lever armmoved to a third position just before the flush lever arm drops and theflush is automatically stopped in accordance with some embodiments ofthe invention.

FIG. 3A is an exploded assembly perspective view of a second embodimentof an automatic release toilet flush lever assembly in accordance withsome embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 3B is a close-up perspective view of a lever sub-assemblycorresponding to FIG. 3A, with the rotatable linkage in a first positionprior to flushing in accordance with some embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 3C is a close-up perspective view of a lever sub-assemblycorresponding to FIGS. 3A and 3B, but with the rotatable linkage movedto a second position during a flush in accordance with some embodimentsof the invention.

FIG. 4A is an exploded assembly perspective view of a third embodimentof an automatic release toilet flush lever assembly in accordance withsome embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 4B is a partially exploded view of the embodiment of FIG. 4Ashowing a lever sub-assembly and handle assembly in accordance with someembodiments of the invention.

FIG. 4C is a side elevation schematic view of the lever sub-assembly ofthe embodiment of FIGS. 4A and 4B prior to triggering a flush inaccordance with some embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 4D is a side elevation schematic view of the lever sub-assembly ofthe embodiment of FIGS. 4A and 4B after triggering a flush in accordancewith some embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it isto be understood that the invention is not limited in its application tothe details of construction and the arrangement of components set forthin the following description or illustrated in the following drawings.The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced orof being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood thatthe phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose ofdescription and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of“including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein ismeant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereofas well as additional items. Unless specified or limited otherwise, theterms “mounted,” “connected,” “supported,” and “coupled” and variationsthereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirectmountings, connections, supports, and couplings. Further, “connected”and “coupled” are not restricted to physical or mechanical connectionsor couplings.

The following discussion is presented to enable a person skilled in theart to make and use embodiments of the invention. Various modificationsto the illustrated embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilledin the art, and the generic principles herein can be applied to otherembodiments and applications without departing from embodiments of theinvention. Thus, embodiments of the invention are not intended to belimited to embodiments shown, but are to be accorded the widest scopeconsistent with the principles and features disclosed herein. Thefollowing detailed description is to be read with reference to thefigures, in which like elements in different figures have like referencenumerals. The figures, which are not necessarily to scale, depictselected embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope ofembodiments of the invention. Skilled artisans will recognize theexamples provided herein have many useful alternatives that fall withinthe scope of embodiments of the invention.

Some embodiments comprise a toilet flush lever assembly that canautomatically release a flush lever arm to stop or at least partiallystop a flush prior to a user releasing the flush handle. In summary,FIGS. 1A to 2C illustrate a first embodiment of toilet flush leverassembly 10 a. FIGS. 3A to 3C illustrate a second embodiment of thetoilet flush lever assembly 10 b, and FIGS. 4A to 4D illustrate a thirdembodiment of the toilet flush lever assembly 10 c. Some, but not allcomponents are common between the three embodiments. Those componentsthat are common between two or more embodiments are marked with the sameidentifications numbers.

Referring first to FIGS. 1A to 2C, FIG. 1A is an exploded assemblyperspective view of a first embodiment of an automatic release toiletflush lever assembly in accordance with some embodiments of theinvention. FIG. 1B is a partially exploded view of the embodiment ofFIG. 1A showing a clutch and flush lever assembly 200 and handle mountsub-assembly 250 in accordance with some embodiments of the invention.FIG. 2A is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of FIG. 1A, showingthe rotatable linkage and the flush lever arm assembly 220 with flushlever arm in a first position prior to flushing in accordance with someembodiments of the invention. FIG. 2B is a view corresponding to FIG.2A, but with the rotatable linkage and the flush lever arm assembly 220with flush lever arm moved to a second position during a flush inaccordance with some embodiments of the invention. FIG. 2C is a viewcorresponding to FIGS. 2A and 2B, but with the rotatable linkage and theflush lever arm assembly 220 with flush lever arm moved to a thirdposition just before the flush lever arm drops and the flush isautomatically stopped in accordance with some embodiments of theinvention.

In reference to the exploded assembly view illustrated embodiment inFIG. 1A, some embodiments provide a toilet flush lever assembly 10 athat comprises a handle 20, a rotatable linkage assembly 40 coupled tohandle 20, a flush lever 60 a in contact with rotatable linkage assembly40, and a release mechanism 80 including a one directional clutch 75coupled on the rotatable linkage assembly 40. Further, in someembodiments of the invention, the rotatable linkage assembly 40comprises a handle mount 42, a locknut 44, a rotatable shaft 46. In anon-limiting embodiment, the handle 20 can press-fit onto a handle mount42. In other embodiments, the handle 20 and handle mount 42 can becoupled by any other conventional coupling means. In some embodiments, ahousing having a mounting bracket 43 and a clutch case 45 (which arepress-fit together) can be disposed inside of the toilet tank, with thelocknut 44 being received between the two parts 43 and 45 of the housing(e.g., see handle mount sub-assembly 250 shown in FIG. 1B, where thepartially assembled view includes housing sides 43 and 45 that aredisposed within the toilet tank and handle mount 42 projecting outsidethe tank wall.

As further shown in FIG. 1B, the handle mount 42 of the handle mountsub-assembly 250 can couple to the dome trim cover 41 and handle 20 onthe outside of the tank. Further, in some embodiments, rotatable shaft46 can extend from the clutch and flush lever assembly 200 (whichincludes the clutch case 45 and at least all of the components to theright of the clutch case 45 shown in FIG. 1A), and couple into thehandle mount 42.

In its various embodiments, rotatable linkage assembly 40 can containmany different and optional parts. It is therefore to be understood thatthe illustrated embodiment is only one particular assembly covered bythe claims encompassing embodiments of the invention. One of ordinaryskill in the art can recognize that some components of the assembly 10 acan comprise conventionally known alternatives, especially thosefunctions has holders, brackets, supports, connectors, etc. Further,some components of the assembly 10 a can comprise conventionally knownstructures that can perform the same function but that may have amodified structure or design. For example, the handle 20 is shownstrictly as a non-limiting embodiment, and many different conventionalhandles can be used in place of the handle 20 as shown to perform thesame function. Other decorative items such as the dome cover 41 need notform part of the overall assembly, or another conventionally knownstructure can be substituted for the dome cover 41 as illustrated.

In some embodiments, during operational use by a user, at least apartial rotation, turning, pivoting, or otherwise moving of the handle20 can cause at least a partial rotation, turning, pivoting, orotherwise moving of rotatable linkage assembly 40 which in turn can atleast partially move or lift flush lever 60. In some embodiments, thismovement or lifting of the flush lever 60 a can cause at least a partialflush of some fluid from one fluid reservoir to another (e.g., from atoilet tank to a toilet bowl). In some embodiments, to accomplish thisaction or operation, in some embodiments, the distal end of flush lever60 a can be coupled to a cord, chain, or other convention component,assembly or mechanism that lifts a flapper or flapper canister to open aflush valve, thereby starting the flush. For example, in someembodiments of the invention, the release mechanism 80 including onedirectional clutch on rotatable linkage assembly 40 can automaticallyrelease the flush lever 60 a when handle 20 has been rotated, turned,pivoted, or otherwise moved to a pre-determined point of rotation ormovement, as further explained by referring to FIGS. 2A to 2C below.Referring back to FIG. 1A, in some embodiments, compression spring 48can push the two portions 82 and 84 of release mechanism 80 together. Insome embodiments, torsion spring 52 can urge rotatable linkage assembly40 to rotate back to its null position, resulting in a lifting of thehandle 20 after the flush. The operation of release mechanism 80 is bestunderstood by referring to FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C, below.

The rotatable linkage and flush lever arm assembly 220 of FIG. 2A (withintermediate components removed for clarity and represented as “L”),shows the release mechanism 80 prior to at least a partial flush. Insome embodiments, compression spring 48 (shown visible in FIG. 1A) canhold portions 82 and 84 together as shown, and when the handle 20 (showncoupled to rotatable linkage and flush lever arm assembly 220) ispressed down or actuated, rotatable linkage assembly 40 can causeportions 82 and 84 to start to rotate, turn, pivot, or otherwise move indirection R1. In some embodiments, portion 84 can include fourprojections 85 extending from around the circumferential edge of theportion 84. In other embodiments, more or fewer projections 85 can beused. In some embodiments, each projection 85 extends radially outwardfrom rotatable linkage assembly 40, and includes a curved outer surfacethat can engage flush lever arm 60 a. For example, in some embodiments,the projections 85 can comprise curved engagement surfaces 85 a thatextend from a radially extending side 85 b at a first end towards anopposite second end at the outer circumferential surface of the portion84, where the distance from any point on the engagement surfaces 85 a toa axial center of the portion 84 becomes shorter along the engagementsurfaces 85 a starting from the first end and towards the second end. Insome embodiments of the invention, the four curved engagement surfaces85 a can be substantially identical in shape, and substantially evenlydistributed around the circumference of the portion 84. Further, in someembodiments, the radially extending side 85 b can extend from the firstend to the second end of an adjacent projection 85 by radially extendingfrom the portion 84.

As shown in FIG. 2B, including the view corresponding to FIG. 2A, butwith the rotatable linkage and the flush lever arm assembly 220 withflush lever arm 60 a moved to a second position during a flush, thefurther rotation, turning, pivoting, or otherwise moving in direction R1can cause projection 85 to start to lift or move flush lever 60 a (bylifting or moving projection 62 on the bottom of flush lever arm 60). Ascan be seen, with each projection 85 extending radially outward fromrotatable linkage assembly 40 as described above, in some embodiments,the curved engagement surfaces 85 a can engage the lifting projection 62of the flush lever 60 a as the curved engagement surfaces 85 a rotatesin direction R1.

FIG. 2C is a view corresponding to FIGS. 2A and 2B, but with therotatable linkage and the flush lever arm assembly 220 with flush leverarm 60 a moved to a third position just before the flush lever arm 60 adrops and the flush is automatically stopped. In some embodiments,through further actuation of the handle 20, the portion 84 can berotated, pivoted, turned or otherwise moved further such that projection85 fully lifts flush lever arm 60, as shown. In this instance thelifting projection 62 has reached the first end of the curved engagementsurfaces 85 a that extends from a radially extending side 85 b, wherethe distance between the lifting projection 62 and the axial center ofthe portion 84 approaches or is at a maximum.

In some embodiments, any further rotation, turning, pivoting, orotherwise moving in direction R1 can return the assembly to the positionshown in FIG. 2A as the flush lever arm 60 a falls towards the secondend of the engagement surface 85 a of the adjacent engagement surface 85a, thereby shutting off the flush. In this instance, the movement orreturn of the flush lever 60 a to the position shown in FIG. 2A fromthat shown in FIG. 2C, can cause the distal end of flush lever 60 a(coupled to a cord, chain, or other convention component, assembly ormechanism) to allow a flapper or flapper canister to close a flushvalve, thereby stopping the flush. As such, the rotation, turning,pivoting, or otherwise moving of rotatable linkage assembly 40 bothstarts and eventually at least partially stops the flush.

In some embodiments of the invention, when the user finally releaseshandle 20 (which can be after flush lever arm 60 a automatically drops),the ratchet interface between portions 82 and 84 can allow portion 82 torotate back in an opposite direction R2, while portion 84 remainssubstantially in place. As such, in some embodiments, portion 82 can berotated, turned, pivoted, or otherwise move back and forth in oppositedirections R1 and R2 as the user pushes and releases handle 20, butportion 84 can only rotate, turn, pivot, or otherwise move in directionR1. As can be seen, in some embodiments, release mechanism 80 canautomatically release flush lever 60 a prior to a user releasing handle20. This is because release mechanism 80 on rotatable linkage assembly40 can release flush lever 60 a when handle 20 has been rotated, turned,pivoted, or otherwise moved to a pre-determined point of rotation ormovement such that flush lever 60 a drops to shut off the flush.

A second embodiment of the system is seen in FIGS. 3A to 3C (includingat least some like part numbers as seen in FIGS. 2A to 2C performinglike functions). FIG. 3A is an exploded assembly perspective view of asecond embodiment of an automatic release toilet flush lever assembly 10b in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. In someembodiments, the toilet flush lever assembly 10 b can comprise a handle20, a rotatable linkage assembly 40 a coupled to the handle 20, a flushlever 60 a in contact with rotatable linkage assembly 40 a, and arelease mechanism 80 a including a one directional clutch 75 a coupledon the rotatable linkage assembly 40 a. Further, in some embodiments ofthe invention, the rotatable linkage assembly 40 a can comprise a handlemount 42, a locknut 44, and a rotatable shaft 46. In a non-limitingembodiment, the handle 20 can press-fit onto a handle mount 42. In otherembodiments, the handle 20 and handle mount 42 can be coupled by anyother conventional coupling means. In some embodiments, a housing havinga mounting bracket 43 and a clutch case 45 (which are press-fittogether) can be disposed inside of the toilet tank, with the locknut 44being received between the two parts 43 and 45 of the housing (notillustrated specifically for the second embodiments, but is representedin the handle mount sub-assembly 250 shown in FIG. 1B, where thepartially assembled view includes housing sides 43 and 45 that aredisposed within the toilet tank and handle mount 42 projecting outsidethe tank wall).

In its various embodiments, rotatable linkage assembly 40 a can containmany different and optional parts. It is therefore to be understood thatthe illustrated embodiment is only one particular assembly covered bythe claims encompassing embodiments of the invention. One of ordinaryskill in the art can recognize that some components of the assembly 10 bcan comprise conventionally known alternatives, especially thosefunctions has holders, brackets, supports, connectors, etc. Further,some components of the assembly 10 b can comprise conventionally knownstructures that can perform the same function but that may have amodified structure or design. For example, the handle 20 is shownstrictly as a non-limiting embodiment, and many different conventionalhandles can be used in place of the handle 20 as shown to perform thesame function. Other decorative items such as the dome cover 41 need notform part of the overall assembly, or another conventionally knownstructure can be substituted for the dome cover 41 as illustrated.

FIG. 3B is a close-up perspective view of a lever sub-assembly 300corresponding to FIG. 3A, with the rotatable linkage in a first positionprior to flushing in accordance with some embodiments of the invention,with intermediate components removed for clarity and represented as “M”.In some embodiments of the invention, a release mechanism 80 cansimilarly comprise portions 82 a and 84 a having a ratchet interfacetherebetween. In some embodiments, during operational use by a user, atleast a partial rotation, turning, pivoting, or otherwise moving of thehandle 20 can cause at least a partial rotation, turning, pivoting, orotherwise moving of rotatable linkage assembly 40 a which in turn can atleast partially move or lift flush lever 60 b. In some embodiments, thismovement or lifting of the flush lever 60 b can cause at least a partialflush of some fluid from one fluid reservoir to another (e.g., from atoilet tank to a toilet bowl). In some embodiments, to accomplish thisaction or operation, in some embodiments, the distal end of flush lever60 b can be coupled to a cord, chain, or other convention component,assembly or mechanism that lifts a flapper or flapper canister to open aflush valve, thereby starting the flush.

In some embodiments, projection 88 on rotatable linkage assembly 40 acan release the ratchet interface between rotatable linkage assembly 40a and flush lever 60 (FIG. 3C). In this embodiment, one side of theratchet interface can be integrally formed into portion 84 a which areoptionally integrally formed into flush lever 60 b, as shown. FIG. 3C isa close-up perspective view of a lever sub-assembly 300 corresponding toFIGS. 3A and 3B, but with the rotatable linkage moved to a secondposition during at least a partial flush in accordance with someembodiments of the invention. In this embodiment, the portion 82 a caninclude radial projections 85 that can be received behind arms 86 suchthat as portion 82 a is rotated, projections 88 can be grabbed by arms86 and pulled slightly in the direction towards handle 20. As a result,portion 82 a can be pulled away from portion 84 a. When this occurs(i.e.: when the ratchet interface between portions 82 a and 84 adisengages), the flush lever arm 60 b drops, thereby shutting off theflush. In this instance, the movement or return of the flush lever 60 bcan cause the distal end of flush lever 60 b (coupled to a cord, chain,or other convention component, assembly or mechanism) to allow a flapperor flapper canister to close a flush valve, thereby stopping the flush.As such, the rotation, turning, pivoting, or otherwise moving ofrotatable linkage assembly 40 a both starts and eventually at leastpartially stops the flush.

A third embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 4A to 4D.FIG. 4A is an exploded assembly perspective view of a third embodimentof an automatic release toilet flush lever assembly 10 c in accordancewith some embodiments of the invention. FIG. 4B is a partially explodedview of the embodiment of FIG. 4A showing a lever sub-assembly 400 andhandle sub-assembly 450 in accordance with some embodiments of theinvention. FIG. 4C is a side elevation schematic view of the leversub-assembly 400 of the embodiment of FIGS. 4A and 4B prior totriggering at least a partial flush in accordance with some embodimentsof the invention. FIG. 4D is a side elevation schematic view of thelever sub-assembly 400 of the embodiment of FIGS. 4A and 4B aftertriggering at least a partial flush in accordance with some embodimentsof the invention. In this embodiment, rotatable linkage assembly 40 bcan comprise a handle mount 141, a rod 142, a return spring 143, abaseplate 144 and a locknut 145. In some embodiments, handle plate 105can include a first locking lever 106 mounted thereon, and lever plate110 can include a locking lever 115 mounted thereon. In some embodimentsof the invention, rod 142 can include a flat projection 147 that rotateshandle plate 105. In some embodiments, the lever plate 110 can supportflush lever arm 160 mounted thereon. In some embodiments, each oflocking levers 106 and 115 can include springs 107 and 117,respectively. In some embodiments, locking lever 106 comprises a pin 108extending therefrom.

In its various embodiments, rotatable linkage assembly 40 b can containmany different and optional parts. It is therefore to be understood thatthe illustrated embodiment is only one particular assembly covered bythe claims encompassing embodiments of the invention. One of ordinaryskill in the art can recognize that some components of the assembly 10 ccan comprise conventionally known alternatives, especially thosefunctions has holders, brackets, supports, connectors, etc. Further,some components of the assembly 10 c can comprise conventionally knownstructures that can perform the same function but that may have amodified structure or design. For example, the handle 30 is shownstrictly as a non-limiting embodiment, and many different conventionalhandles can be used in place of the handle 30 as shown to perform thesame function.

FIG. 4B shows a partially exploded view corresponding to FIG. 4A, andshows handle sub-assembly 450 assembly positioned coupled and operablewith handle 30 on an opposite side of a tank wall. The rod 142 is showncoupled to the handle sub-assembly, with coupling assembly to leversub-assembly 400 represented. The operation of this embodiment of theinvention is best understood viewing the illustrations of FIGS. 4C and4D. For example, FIG. 4C shows the lever sub-assembly 400 prior to auser pushing down on the handle 30 (i.e.: prior to rotation, turning,pivoting, or otherwise moving of rotatable linkage assembly 40 b). Atthis time, springs 107 and 117 (not shown in FIG. 4C) can urge lever 115in direction D1 as shown, and lever 106 in direction D2 as shown, suchthat the ends of levers 115 and 106 abut one another.

In reference to FIG. 4D, when handle 30 is pushed down, the lever 115can rotate in direction D3 until pin 108 hits a projection 120 on thehousing. This can cause lever 106 to move to a position where it pushespast and thereby releases lever 115. At this time, lever plate 110 canbe released and rotate downwardly in direction D4, dropping flush leverarm 160 (and thereby stopping the flush).

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that while theinvention has been described above in connection with particularembodiments and examples, the invention is not necessarily so limited,and that numerous other embodiments, examples, uses, modifications anddepartures from the embodiments, examples and uses are intended to beencompassed by the claims attached hereto. The entire disclosure of eachpatent and publication cited herein is incorporated by reference, as ifeach such patent or publication were individually incorporated byreference herein. Various features and advantages of the invention areset forth in the following claims.

1. A lever assembly, comprising: (a) a handle; (b) an actuationmechanism coupled with a first user activation mechanism; (c) a secondactivation mechanism configured and arranged to be at least partiallyactuated by a first user activation mechanism coupled to the actuationmechanism, wherein rotation of the first user activation mechanismcauses at least partial movement of the actuation mechanism; and (d) arelease mechanism configured to operate in conjunction with theactuation mechanism to release the second activation mechanism when thehandle is positioned to a pre-determined point.
 2. The lever assembly ofclaim 1, wherein the release mechanism is configured and arranged torelease a flush lever prior to a user releasing the handle.
 3. The leverassembly of claim 1, wherein the actuation mechanism comprises a firstlost motion function and a second reset mechanism is configured andarranged to reset upon release of the first user activation mechanism.4. The lever assembly of claim 1, wherein the release mechanismcomprises at least one projection on a rotatable, turnable, pivotable ormovable linkage which moves a coupled flush lever to a first positionand permits the flush lever to move to a second position.
 5. The leverassembly of claim 4, wherein the at least one projection extendsradially outward from the rotatable linkage.
 6. The lever assembly ofclaim 4, wherein the at least one projection has a curved outer surfacethat engages the flush lever.
 7. The lever assembly of claim 4, whereinthe rotatable linkage comprises a ratchet interface between a firstelongated member that is configured and arranged to at least partiallyrotate, turn, pivot, or move together with the handle in oppositedirections, and a second elongated member that only rotates in onedirection, and wherein the at least one projection is disposed on thefirst elongated member.
 8. The lever assembly of claim 7, wherein thefirst and second elongated members are coupled together by a ratchetinterface.
 9. The lever assembly of claim 1, wherein the releasemechanism comprises at least one projection on the rotatable linkagewhich releases a ratchet interface between the rotatable linkage and theflush lever.
 10. The lever assembly of claim 9, wherein one side of theratchet interface is coupled to the flush lever.
 11. The lever assemblyof claim 1, wherein the release mechanism comprises: a first platehaving a first locking lever thereon, and a second plate having a secondlocking lever thereon, and wherein the first and second plates movetogether until the first locking lever disengages the second lockinglever, thereby permitting the flush lever arm to move.
 12. The leverassembly of claim 1, further comprising: a housing, wherein the assemblypasses through the housing and the housing is disposed within the toilettank.